Everything went rapidly downhill for Tiger Woods the last time details of his love life were revealed but the 14-time major champion has a definite spring in his step after going public about his romance with skier Lindsey Vonn.

Woods has been gushing over his latest birdie, posting photos of the pair on social networking sites, and bounds into Bay Hill for the defence of his title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The blossoming romance will take a back seat though as Woods rekindles his love affair with Arnie's place.

On the prowl: Tiger Woods is almost unstoppable at Bay Hill with seven wins under his belt at the Orlando track

It was here 12 months ago that Woods got back to winning ways after two and a half years without a victory and a repeat on Sunday evening will be his third of 2013 and tie Sam Snead's record for most wins at one event - eight.

More importantly, it will knock Rory McIlroy off the top of the world rankings.

So, who can stop Tiger? McIlroy is not in action but Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter lead the European charge.

Scotsman Martin Laird won two years ago and while Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and Rod Pampling have also tasted success at Bay Hill, it's usually an American celebrating.

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Phil Mickelson, Brandt Snedeker and Keegan Bradley tee it up while Bubba Watson is also in Orlando as he continues his preparation for the Masters defence.

McDowell finished closest to Woods last year, five shots adrift with Poulter a further two back. Bud Cauley was in a group tied for fourth but the youngster is the only one of 33 Bay Hill first-timers to post a top-10 finish in the last four years.

Experience is key on a track that changed from a par 70 to a 72 in 2010 and the ability to grind it out is essential.